This is the chemistry set of today. Those semi-dangerous labs-in-a-box are a thing of the past. Nowadays, they aren’t going to pack anything remotely dangerous into those learning kits, so you might as well look elsewhere for real fun. Since Junior no longer has the capability to produce searing acid baths for his action figures, the modern chemistry set might as well produce something useful: food!
The Wild Fling Popcorn Basketball Bowl may just be the most ridiculous sports-watching accessory since the beer helmet. Not surprisingly, the two hunks of plastic complement each other; drink with one, eat snacks with the other.
Dust off your old beer helmet (because every closet has one, right?) and get up to date with this snack bowl. When the beer helmet runs dry, enjoy the convenience offered by the integrated beverage holder. You’ll find it right next to the remote control. If your beer helmet is in the shop, no worries, because when the popcorn is all gone and the game is over, the bowl doubles (triples?) as a stylish helmet. Remember, it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you watch the game.
Brownies are certainly delicious, but wouldn’t they taste better if they were cut into little wavy shapes? Sure they would! Pass up the squares and move on to zigzag brownies with the Wilton Zigzag Brownie Cutter. The soft-grip handle makes it easy to cut brownies into fun zigzag shapes, but why stop there? The cutting tool can also be used to cut Rice Krispies treats, sandwiches, or even lasagna. For $7.95 at Sur La Table, it’s probably worth it if you’ve been trying to cut those decorative edges with a knife. Especially since zigzag brownies just taste better.
Salt and pepper shakers seemingly have no end to their variations. Which is good news for all of us kitchen gadget hounds. Priced right, these table essentials make great gifts and are the easiest way to change your tablescape. Besides, sometimes they are just plain fun.
The Boogie Woogie Salt & Pepper Shakers feature a (presumably) bottom-heavy tumbler fastened with two large wheels. Designed to give new meaning to “pass the salt,” the spice shakers are meant to be rolled between diners. While it may be impolite to play with your food, I don’t think that includes table accessories that roll around. Ms. Manners however, may still have to look away.
Kids will love this original spin on chilled drinks. Instead of using boring old “regular†ice cubes, Citrus Sippers create an entirely new way to enjoy cool beverages. Just freeze juice along with the included straw in the fun fruit-shaped ice mold, and when ready the ice will stick to the straw. As the juice melts, new flavors will be released, and the last sip will be as delicious as the first. Kids will especially appreciate this because they just want to mix all the flavors together anyways!
Some people like to keep a dish of candy on a nearby side table. Whenever the candy craving hits, a sweet treat is never too far away. As practical as that may be, some people appreciate other sweets adorning their tabletops. Like caramel. Melted caramel.
The Apple Dipper is probably not intended as a perpetual sugar-dispensing device, but it does have that capability. Designed to melt caramel and keep it heated, the dipper is a fun way to create caramel apples. Turn it on, fill it up and dip away. Be careful though, with the ability to keep caramel in a continual ready-to-dip state, that candy dish is going to get jealous!
